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                                                             ISSN 1069-7799
                                  ALAWON
                      ALA Washington Office Newsline
                     An electronic publication of the
              American Library Association Washington Office

                            Volume 3, Number 12
                               March 9, 1994

   In this issue: (77 lines)
     REPS KILDEE AND REED SPEAK FOR LIBRARY PROGRAMS

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              REPS KILDEE AND REED SPEAK FOR LIBRARY PROGRAMS

During continuing debate on HR 6, the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act reauthorization, an amendment to strip certain new programs from the
bill, including the School Library Program, was offered by Rep. Dan Miller
(R-FL).  The amendment was defeated by voice vote.

During debate on the amendment, Reps. Kildee (D-MI), Reed (D-RI) and Sawyer
(D-OH) spoke against the amendment and in favor of school library programs. 
Rep. Kildee, chair of the Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary and
Vocational Education and floor manager of the bill, described the current
status of library collections and the age of the materials.  He said
"school children are using books we would hardly use in our research."  He
said the school library resource assistance was an investment in education. 
In answer to the objection that programs would compete for appropriations,
Kildee said "For Heaven's sake, let us compete to get some up-to-date books
and technology in our schools."

Rep. Jack Reed, the original sponsor of HR 1151, the school library bill
incorporated into HR 6, cited the long term regard we have had historically
in this country for books and reading--going back to Jefferson.  He said he
could not think of a wiser investment than to spend money on libraries. 
Rep. Reed gave the history of dedicated funding for school library media
centers and cited studies that had been done which proved that good
libraries make a difference in student achievement.  He said his original
bill had 66 cosponsors, more than any other measure subsequently folded
into HR 6.  Reed cited some school library holdings, such as the book on
the Constitution, copyright date of 1924, with a "snappy" forward by
President Calvin Coolidge.  Reed said, "Too bad for those kids who had to
do research on amendments 20-26."  He said dedicated funds for school
libraries was not a new program, but a common sense way to approach
education reform.  

ACTION NEEDED:  All sponsors of Rep. Reed's original bill, as well as all
those members who voted in favor of HR 6, should be thanked by library
supporters.  Action will now move to the Senate, where more Senate sponsors
are needed for Senator Simon's similar legislation S. 266.  A final House
vote on HR 6 is expected shortly.  The final outcome will be announced as
soon as possible.

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